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Migration & the Economics of Language

Language skills for immigrants are a form of human capital.  Knowing the local language increases the probability of getting a job and of higher earnings.

In this interview with Barry Chiswick, a professor of economics at George Washington University, we explore the the history of human capital as far back as Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations in 1776 and what this old concept means for immigration in the modern global economy.

Chiswick says a common lingua franca helps promote the growth of the entire economy.

Listen to the interview here:

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